Regarding dealing with cold callers (Adrian Chiles, 7 May), it’s irritating I know, but if you don’t mind your phone being inaccessible for a few minutes, why not say: “Hang on, I’ll go and get him/her”, and then leave your phone until the caller rings off? At least you will have wasted some of their day.
Robert Walker
Perrancoombe, Cornwall
Re fostering a love of reading in children (Letters, 6 May), one of my fondest memories of my teaching career was story time in the infant class in a local village school. Most of the children came quite a distance on buses. They adored Michael Rosen’s poetry. There were many afternoons when it was home time and they would shout: “Please read another Michael Rosen one, Mrs Mansfield, the driver won’t mind waiting.” What a privilege to teach them.
Janet Mansfield
Aspatria, Cumbria
Your article (How to create a more eco-friendly lawn, 6 May) advises us to reduce our environmental impact by swapping a petrol mower for an electric one. Better advice would be to choose a push mower – beneficial to the environment and the owner’s physical health.
Mike Davis
Weymouth, Dorset
It didn’t take long for the “quick” beginners cryptic crossword to become fiendish. Please have mercy on us older learners who take longer to get up to speed.
Robert Kelso
Frome, Somerset
Re digestives (Letters, 6 May), other biscuits are available.
Colin Prower
Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire